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Thursday, May 21, 2015

OD&D - Old Forgotten English Words - 014

Continuing the list of olde archaic words for your enjoyment and enlightenment:

Settlers' matches - A name occasionally applied to the long pendulous strips of bark which hang from the Eucalyptus and  other trees during decortication, and which, becoming exceedingly dry, are readily ignited and used as kindling wood.

Octogamie - Marrying eight times. From Latin ecto, and Old French gamie (marriage).
Purse Proud - Haughty on account of wealth.

Extranean - An outsider, stranger; one not belonging to a household . . .  in the grammar school at Aberdeen, the extranean was one who had not gone through the regular curriculum from the lowest to the highest classes, but had come from other schools for the last quarter in order to get a final drill or finishing  touch before going to compete for the university bursaries or scholarships.

Seeksorrow - One who contrives to give himself  vexation.

Chair-days - A time of repose; the evening of life.

Crump - One that helps solicitors to affidavit- men and overseers  . . . who, for a small sum will be bound  or swear for anybody, on that occasion putting on good cloaths to make a good appearance, that bail may be accepted.

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